First Anaesthetic Death Today

[Jac]

Yes I agree. It's one of these things we know about but take it for granted that "ours" will be ok.

[Amber]

Thank you everyone.

The owner came in today to speak to the vet, and she decided that she wanted to see her little girl. We were hoping that she wouldn't want to see her, as we wanted her to remember her as she was when she was alive - but she said she needed to see her which is fair enough.

We have managed to make her see that it really wasn't her fault, and that she would have only needed anaesthetising every month or so to have her Anal Glands flushed if we didn't remove them. Even our vet had a cry today and she's the sort of person who never cries at anything - I think she feels more responsible than anyone but of course it wasn't her fault.

The owner was so so happy today when we told her that all of the nurses had been cudding her dog before her operation and that she had been very happy, giving everyone kisses and wagging her tail like mad - we have been in touch with the hearing dogs today, as the lady is almost totally deaf so we are trying to organise a hearing dog for her.

She has decided to have the ashes back in a wooden casket with a name plate, which we will pay for

[dandysmom]

What a caring place your vets must be...that is a lovely gesture about the casket, and help with the hearing dog.

[Mags]

What a lovely practice you belong to Amber, so much kindness has been shown to this poor lady ........ and the offer of organising a hearing dog for her....what can I say but Thank to you and your colleagues...((((hugs))))

[Fran]

I agree, your vet practice sounds lovely

[Kazz]

Its a risk we all know and although the % is so small someone sadly must own the animals that make up that small %.

Take care it must be very upsetting, your practice sounds lovely I agree with everyone on that.
If the lady does not get a hearing dog you could try to guide her towards the Cinnamon trust who rehome animals whose owners have passed on and vice cersa.

Karen

[babycakes]

I wish I lived near your practice and that many more were like you. How are you feeling today??

[dandysmom]

I wish my vets were more like that! It's a very large practice (six vets!) and I trust them implicitly... not to imply that they're not caring, but it is more impersonal...I cannot imagine them doing anything like yours did!

[Amber]

Thank you everyone, we are a small practice, with one small animal vet, one equine vet, 3 qualified nurses, 2 trainees and a practice manager. Being a small practice I think you get to know the clients more and it becomes a more personal experience.

We were thinking of the Cinnamon trust actually, and I think our head nurse was going to give them a try as well. The problem with hearing dogs is the waiting list is huge - I think they said something like 2 years at the moment.

I am feeling a little better today - mainly for seeing the owner and knowing that she does not blame us, and managing to convince her that it wasn't her fault either. Although obviously upset, she did seem a little brighter when she left us today. She was with us for at least an hour just talking to us and telling us about when she got her. It's still a very raw and sad experience, and it has affected us all. None of us are really ok at the moment and it's something you never forget - but time will make it easier.

Thank you again everyone for your support

xxxxxxxxx

[Mags]

Unfortunately that is one of the heartbreaking things about your job Amber it must be very hard for you all when you see some of the suffering in the animals...